MomCrunch
Where’s the Diversity? The Flipside of the “Working Mother Most Powerful Moms in Social Media” List
Yesterday, I wrote this post complimenting Working Mother for going beyond the obvious choices and recognizing well-deserving working moms in social media. What I didn’t mention was how sorely lacking in ethnic diversity the list was. At first, I didn’t notice. It was other mom bloggers (of various backgrounds) in the space that pointed it out – almost immediately. I even got an email from a respected blogger suggesting that Blogalicious announce its own list of the most powerful moms of color in social media.
I decided against it.
First of all, I cannot stand drama. I just don’t have the stomach (or time) for it! Turning the positive glow of Working Mother‘s list into a battle of “this” list against “that” list just isn’t my style – nor would it have been effective in doing anything but stir up controversy, taking away from the great recognition that the moms on the list received. Second of all, it would have completely missed the point of the underlying issue: there should be no need for a separate list - the point is that all lists should be culturally diverse.
That night the conversation took to Twitter (no surprise there).
Apparently Working Mother caught wind of the displeasure and suggested that they were looking into creating their own Most Powerful Moms of Color in Social Media list.
In my opinion, that would be a huge #FAIL on their part. As was said on Twitter, “separate but equal is no longer cool.” And the fact of the matter is, it would be insulting and do more harm than good in my humble opinion. We should be striving to be inclusive organically, and not as an afterthought (or to avoid potential bad press).
And really, the Working Mother list isn’t the only list that missed the boat on diversity – there are nameless others that have as well. (At least one other person who left me a comment yesterday agrees):
There’s still a lot of work to be done…examples like the Working Mother list are the very reason my co-founders and I started Blogalicious. But, instead of whining about it or kicking up dust – no matter what our ethnic background – we can continue to hone our crafts, lift each other up, and give kudos to one other as we already do – lists be damned.
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7 Comments
Andrea commented on Sep 10 11 at 10:43 pmYou are so diplomatic in a good way. In addition to these type a list that exclude Women of Color, any Color., I also notice most Major conferences still lack Women of Color, any Color. It saddens me. I know so many women in the Social Media space that are quite qualified to be on a list like this yet they are not included. I suspect that it is because if the person or persons who create the list look around to the people they know, the list reflects what those look women look like and that again saddens me. I think you are right to not go out and create a Women of Color list. Why must we still be separate.
Maria commented on Sep 10 11 at 11:20 pmI will definitely agree that lists are simply that: lists. Lists can change or can be driven by outside agendas. I commend Justice Fergie for not falling for the obvious rope-a-dope. They made their list. Lists do not define nor defend anyone at the end of the day. Just be the best working mommies you can be and that alone will make you the most powerful mommies. Period.
sarah commented on Sep 11 11 at 5:54 pmIf no women of color actually held as much or more social media power than non-WOC, why should they be included? I would assume only women with a strong media presence were included, and if no WOC had reached that level of power and influence, WHY should they be on the list? That would be more insulting than not making the list honestly.
Kimberly/Foodie City Mom commented on Sep 11 11 at 8:36 pmExactly. Fortunately, some progress is consistently being made. As evidence, you and other women of color are currently writing for Babble that has been criticized in the past for their lack of diversity. Cream always rises to the top…
Kimberly/Foodie City Mom commented on Sep 12 11 at 12:22 pmSarah, I totally agree with you. The point isn’t to just include women of color for inclusion sake, but rather to include them because they merit inclusion. A prime example – Jennifer James, the founder of Mom Bloggers Club, welds more social media power than most because she founded a diverse online community of mom bloggers that now boasts almost 15,000 members. That makes it one of – if not THE largest network of online mom bloggers. She should be included for that accomplishment – not simply because she is a WOC. (This is said with no disrespect to those who were included on the Working Mother’s list…or any other list for that matter. I am friends or acquaintances with several of those who were included and hold them in high regard.)
Here’s the thing about lists…they are comprised of those who are on the radar of the list maker. If I were to make a “top whatever” list (and did not do extensive research to broaden my horizons) it would be heavily weighted towards NYC/East Coast moms…because those are the ones whom I know and interact with the most. It wouldn’t mean that I’m prejudiced against the rest of the nation.
The insult and lack of honesty comes in when mainstream writers don’t do their research. Or we could just change the title of the lists to the “Best Of (who are on my personal radar)” list. In my opinion, that would be the most honest thing to do.
Nikki @ Mommy Factor commented on Sep 21 11 at 9:29 amI wont comment since you already know what I’m thinking, not to mention mumbling about for the last 2 years. I really dont know at what point bloggers of color will be considered at the top like non bloggers of color. What standard is being used the bloggers like yourself and the most wonderful Jennifer James cant level up to? Again, you already know my thoughts but I’m glad that this issue is being brought to light and supported by so many that also see the need for a more inclusive standard of who should be on these “top” blogger lists
Melanie Edwards - Ella Media & ModernMami.com commented on Sep 22 11 at 10:24 pmSigh…again…but, great decision on your part and of course, great points. Because, like you said, there should be no need for a separate list.
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